Call for papers: IROS workshop on science communication

Understanding Robotics and Public Opinion:
Best Practices in Public Science Communication and Online Dissemination
IROS Workshop 2013 in Tokyo, Japan
November 7, 9am – 12:30pmSubmission deadline: October 15

Robotics is widely discussed in mainstream media, with headlines that play to both the public’s fascination of robots and its fears. As robotics researchers, we have a deep vested interest to be part of this dialogue, and are ideally positioned to demystify robotic technologies, spur innovation, and raise ethical and legal questions that require discussion.

During this half-day workshop, attendees will:

Learn the basics of science communication.

Review robotics coverage in mainstream media.

Identify key topics in robotics that should be highlighted in the public discourse, and determine how to best drive the discussion.

We welcome contributions about robotics in the public discourse (opinions, overviews and examples). Contributions can be made in video, audio or written format (1 page minimum) by October 15 and emailed to: workshop@robotsassociation.org. Select contributors will have the opportunity to give a short presentation during the workshop. In addition, contributions will be published on Robohub as part of a focus series on “Robotics in the public discourse”.